FIA announces immediate pitlane clampdown after German GP incident

Formula 1's ruling body, the FIA, has announced an immediate ban on anyone other than marshals and team personnel in the pitlane during qualifying and races following the incident during the German Grand Prix.

Formula One Management cameraman Paul Allen suffered broken ribs, a broken collarbone and concussion after he was hit by a loose tyre from Mark Webber's car which fell off following a botched pitstop. He is expected to make a full recovery.

As well as the new personnel restrictions, with the only exception being approved members of the media allowed on the pit wall, the FIA is also fast-tracking a reduction in pitlane speed limits and the mandatory wearing of helmets for team members involved in pitstops.

A statement issued by the FIA said that its president Jean Todt had requested the World Motor Sport Council approve the changes, which had already been planned for 2014, immediately.

The pitlane speed limit will be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h, except in Australia, Monaco and Singapore, where it will be 60km/h.

Furthermore the speed limit may be amended by the stewards if the safety delegate recommends it.

The FIA said it is also expecting a written report from Red Bull about the causes of the pit lane incident to be submitted on Wednesday. The details of this will be shared with other teams in order to help improve safety.

SOURCE: Autosport 

TV CREWS BANNED FROM F1 PITLANE DURING ALL SESSIONS

Formula 1 camera crews and broadcast personnel will be banned from the pitlane during all sessions from now on, the sport's commercial rights holder has said.

Just 24 hours after the FIA announced that it was clamping down on pitlane access during qualifying and the races in the wake of an FOM cameraman being hit by a flying wheel in Germany, further restrictions have been imposed.

In an email that was sent to Formula 1's broadcasters on Wednesday, Formula One Management has made it clear that it has tightened up pitlane restrictions.

The notification, a copy of which has been seen by AUTOSPORT, says that FOM will no longer allow personnel, including camera crews, pitlane access during any session.

FOM cameraman Paul Allen suffered broken ribs, a broken collarbone and concussion after being hit by a wheel that had fallen off Mark Webber's Red Bull car during a botched pitstop.

Media were already banned from the pitlane during qualifying and the race, but the new extended restrictions will impact on those broadcasters that covered practice sessions from the pitlane.

The FIA was expected to have received a report from Red Bull earlier on Wednesday detailing its findings into the causes of the Nurburgring incident. The report will be shared with all teams to try and improve safety.

It is not clear if the FOM restrictions will allow camera crews to be stationed on the pit wall during sessions, with the FIA having suggested that certain media will be allowed there during qualifying and the races.

SOURCE: Autosport